How to Find an Affordable Arizona Car Insurance Rate
Recent months have certainly made it harder for families to keep ahead of the bills from week to week. Arizona hasn’t quite avoided the economic downturn, and as we all look around for ways to cut back on our expenses, it’s hard not to glance at that hefty premium that goes out to the auto insurance company every month. Really, if we’re clipping coupons and vying for gas discounts on our credit cards, why can’t we try to minimize that massive monthly dent in our back pocket? It may very well be time to lock down lower and more affordable Arizona car insurance rates.
Getting Started: Consider a Reliable Source
Let’s be clear: there’s a ton of information out there about auto insurance rates, but not all of it’s legit. Do yourself a favor and ignore all the web banners screaming and flashing nonsense about ultra-low Arizona car insurance rates. When you first start doing your homework, you need to check with the reputable sources, like Arizona’s own Department of Insurance (http://www.id.state.az.us/). Here you can find sample rates for all auto insurers in Arizona, as well as information about complaints filed for each. Also, you’ll note minimum insurance requirements. Arizona law requires no less than $30,000 maximum liability for all bodily injuries in a single accident. It’s worth noting that this number is significantly lower than the national average. You can float above the minimum, but realize that if you get in a wreck and the hospital bills add up to more than the cap, you’ll be paying the rest out of pocket. Keep an eye out for stats like this. There’s a ton of raw data to sift through, but don’t be intimidated. Information for consumers is compiled neatly on a separate page and you can find plenty of advice for your specific insurance situation without too much digging.
And while you’re at it, check out the Insurance Information institute (http://www.iii.org/), an industry website that features a host of buying advice and company data. If you’d like to know how a specific insurance company operates, here’s the place to check.
Narrowing the Field: Consider More Than Price
Once you’re comfortable with some of the information sources out there, try focusing in on those companies whose rates line up best with your budget. The cheaper the better, right? But here’s the kicker: the lowest monthly premium may not be the best choice for you in the long run. Other factors to consider are the insurer’s customer service record, its complaint history, and its reputation for honoring valid claims. Visit individual insurers’ websites and find what’s important to you – when you call to file a claim, will you speak to a human or a machine? When you’d like to adjust the details of your insurance package in the future, how flexible will they be? If you have too much trouble finding information about the company’s insurance packages before you’re even a customer, imagine how difficult it may be to get what you need after you’ve bought into its plan.
Making It Fit You: Buy Only the Coverage You Need
Once you decide you like an insurer and confirm it’ll offer a competitive rate, the fun really starts. Realize that insurance companies view you as a bundle of risks. Your age, your sex, your credit history, your driving record – everything is considered when the insurer has to decide your monthly rate. Granted, some things are harder to change than others, but there are ways to adjust your insurance plan to reduce the monthly premium to better fit your style.
One good option purchase only the Arizona car insurance you need. Consider asking the insurer to increase your deductible by a few hundred bucks. This could drastically reduce your monthly premium. Sure, you’ll need to pay more out of pocket in the case of an accident, but the lower monthly rate could more than make up for it. Ask also about any discounts that could apply. If you can convince the insurer that you represent a lower risk, you could quickly begin to reap the benefits. Just be truthful – Arizona has a discovery law that allows insurers to cancel your coverage before sixty days if they find you’ve misrepresented your situation.